User:Geyliah Hara-Salzberg/My sandbox

Flickr

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What is Flickr?

Flickr is a website owned by Yahoo! that allows users to share photos and videos,while connecting with other users with an interest in photography. Flickr gives people a venue to share their photography. It can be appreciated by others with similar interests, and has a popular "Explore" feature, that allows users and non-users to view some of Flickr's most "interesting" photos. Flickr encourages the user to tell stories through their photos. The site allows you to browse content without registering, but to upload photos or videos, you must create a Flickr account. According to Yahoo!, Flickr has nearly 80 million users worldwide . The official Flickr app for smartphones has increased convenience and usability for users and popularity with the site.

Functional Tiers

The Three tiers of the Flickr web system.

What is a tier?

A tier is a layer within a web system within which information is presented, processed, or stored as data. Tiers are numbered, starting with the tier that is closest to the user, and moving away from it. For example, Tier 1 is Presentation, Tier 2 is Processing, and Tier 3 is Data. These are the three main tiers in web systems. Each tier is responsible for a different step of moving information around and serving the user's requests. Data is all of the information behind the system and is stored on the data tier. The processing tier (server) pulls information from the data tier to give the browser (presentation tier) what it needs in order to display what it wants for example the HTML on the web page. The HTML is the content that is displayed in the presentation tier, which is what the user actually sees. Flickr has a thin client application, which means that the majority of the data processing occurs on the actual server, with very little of the data being stored on your personal computer.

Presentation

The presentation tier is the tier closest to the user. Once information (from the data tier) is processed (by the processing tier), the info is formatted and displayed in the presentation tier. This is what you see when you go to a site. It includes the user interface and user experience. The user interface displays controls, content, and decoration all being seen by the user. For example, the HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) is what creates the font, colors, banners, and photos on a page. On Flickr, the presentation tier is the website itself where users upload and share photos and videos, comment, and connect with others.

Processing

The processing tier is the place where the server and the browser interact, and therefore exists somewhere between the two, located partly on the browser and partly on the server. The processing tier processes the browser’s requests for data and lets the server know what data to return. It then processes the data and feeds it back to the browser. The processing tier deals with algorithms and algorithm analysis on Flickr. One of the main ways we see the processing tier is in its applications of algorithms. Flickr's algorithm determines which photos are the most interesting, which in turn decides which photos are displayed in it's "Explore" feature.

Uploading Photo

A demonstration of the processing tier; a photo being uploaded onto a Flickr user's account

Data

Data tier is like a file system. It is made up of database servers which store all of the data belonging to an information system. All information that pertains to a particular site can be stored and retrieved in the database. The data tier enhances performance. An example of a data tier on Flickr are the photo albums, all images uploaded or downloaded on Flickr are stored in albums and can be derived from the database tables.

Major Functions

What is a function?

Functions are the main tasks that a system is designed to perform. Each function has certain qualities, including a purpose, which designates what the function will accomplish; a procedure, which determines what the function will look like from the end user standpoint; an algorithm which is the back and forth process between the server and client; a user interface that allows the user to interact with and control the function; and an impact on data; at the end of the function, data has somehow changed.

Function 1: Log In Page

One of the main functions of Flickr, is actually logging into the site itself. In order to share and upload photos, one must first create an account with Flickr.com. The user interface (what the page presents to the user), is relatively simple. Flickr is owned by Yahoo.com, therefore by creating a Flickr account, the user is simultaneously creating a Yahoo account as well. In order to create an account, the site asks for an email address, a password, and provides security questions. Sites like Flickr do not want to scare away potential users with a complication signing up system. If signing up merely takes a couple of seconds, more users will be interested.

• Goal-sign onto Flickr to upload photos/videos onto your account, browse the site, and interact with other users.
• Procedure-entering your username and password and clicking the Log In button.
• Algorithm-After you press the Log In button, Flickr has to verify with Yahoo that your information is correct.
• Impact on Data-You are signing into Flickr's server
• User Interface-

logging in page on Flickr

A portrayal of creating an account of Flickr.

Function 2: Uploading Data

Uploading photos and videos is another major function on Flickr. Since Flickr is all about sharing and viewing others experiences through photo and video the only way to view these things on the website is to upload. The user interface for uploading is very simple, and Flickr makes it easy to upload pictures and videos. The website lets the user interface show you how to upload photos and videos without reading long paragraphs of how to do so. The user starts at the interface for uploading and moves through a series of steps while actually uploading. Like most social networks the algorithm is much like others as far as uploading pictures/videos. Clicking upload on the main page lets you choose from which file your photos or videos are in. Select the material you want, and you are led to an interface that lets you add more or upload as is. According to how private the user wants their Flickr account the user can choose to make the photo visible to all, private to only themselves, family only, or only friends. Uploading uses some of the main info types for an example what you are uploading the photos and Videos.

• Goal-share your photo or video with the Flickr community.
• Procedure-go to the upload page of Flickr, choose the file from your computer, and click Upload.
• Algorithm-After you click Upload, Flickr processes the file, formats the file so that is is compatible for the site, uploads and saves the content onto your profile.
• Impact on Data-You are adding more data to the Flickr server.
• User Interface-

Uploading Photo 2

An example of an uploading photo being processed by Flickr.

Function 3: Creating a Profile

Character profile is an essential part of Flickr’s major Functions. Its main purpose is customizing and making each Flickr profile personal, by tailoring it to fit ones individual style. There are three parts to creating the character profile. These three parts are; Create Buddy Icon, Choose Your Custom Flickr URL, and Personalize Your Profile. The Buddy icon is a small icon that appears on Flickr to represent you. You can use previously uploaded images in your computer or find a new image to be your buddy icon. Choosing your custom Flickr URL is a way to easily share your photo-stream with your friends. It consists of creating an individual URL to get to your profile. It looks like, http://www.flickr.com/photos/(whateveryouwatinthisblank)/ . Numbers and letters are only permitted and once you select the URL it cannot be changed later. Finally, the Personalize Your Profile part on Flickr involves adding additional information about you onto the profile. The information is not required. Users are able to supply as much or little as one wish. The information can be edited or changed in the Account Preferences. The information includes answering things like name, date of birth, time zone, and a brief self-description.

How a Flickr user can personalize their profile to make it more unique and to reflect their own personal style

• Goal-Becoming a member on the Flickr community so that you can contribute your personal information to the website and share it with others.
• Procedure-Go to the Sign Up page and enter in your personal information.
• Algorithm-Flickr has to ensure that your account matches your Yahoo account and that all of your personal information is accurate.
• Impact on Data-You are becoming another user for Flickr
• User Interface-

Uploading Photo 2

An example of an uploading photo being processed by Flickr.

Function 4: Commenting

A key function of Flickr is the commenting. Comments allow Flickr users to interact with each other on a more personal level. If you see a photo that's interesting, you can tell the photo’s owner by writing a comment telling the user that you enjoy their photo. Comments make Flickr more of an interactive and engaging social site because it allows for real conversations to be had.

• Goal-Sharing your input on another user's shared data.
• Procedure-Type in your comment in the comment box and click Enter
• Algorithm-Flickr processes your comment and displays the content in the comment thread below the designated photo or video.
• Impact on Data-You are adding data to the server.
• User Interface-

commenting

An example of how Flickr users can comment on other users' photos.

Function 5: Interacting With Other Flickr Users

An important function of Flickr is user to user interaction. Users can interact and engage with each other by joining groups, sending messages, exploring other users' profiles, and making conversation through comment threads. On your account page, there are the tabs on the top that are labeled as Home, You, Organize & Create, Contacts, Groups, Explore, and Upload. When you click on the Contacts tab, it links to you to a page that will list all contacts you have. Different page areas allow you to find people on Flickr, give possible suggestions of other people you may know on Flickr, seeing the new stuff that your friends have uploaded onto Flickr, and see all the friends you have. For Flickr groups, you can either join groups or create groups of your own-these are great ways to connect with other Flickr users who have similar interests to you.

• Goal-Establishing relationships with other Flickr users
• Procedure-You search for the person or group that you want to establish yourself with and then request to either become a contact with the other person or to join a group.
• Algorithm-The person or group receiving this request sees it and either approves or denies it. Flickr then processes this and updates the server.
• Impact on Data-You are establishing connections and sending requests through the server.
• User Interface-

A demonstration of being connected to a "group" on Flickr, and interacting with various other users.

Information Infrastructure

Information Types

A demonstration of how the information types on Flickr relate to one another.

What is an info type?

An info type is a kind of information that a system cares to create, store, and display. For example, Flickr cares to allow their users to create sets of photos, and to store and display these photos on their site. Some other info types on Flickr include videos, comments, ads, and users.

Info Type 1: Photos

Flickr is all about photos, and it has it’s own attributes and value patterns. As an example the photo used has an attribute of a caption and title. The value patterns would be the actual caption written, “Lots of large flower brooches made from thick felt…sewing the beads on these was very relaxing!” The value pattern for the title would be the actual title “Sewing some woolly corsages.”

Diagram of a photo info type

Corsage

A photo (type of information) off of a user's account on Flickr.

Info Type 2: Videos

Videos are used to express creativity, individuality, and a more detailed way for users to enjoy life’s adventures through imagery. A video has elements, such as a program or script, pertaining to the transmission or reception of the image. It is distinguished from the audio. Flickr defines video as a long photo that is personal, simple, and not overproduced or slick. Videos also have many different types associated within it. As an example the people participating in the video are attributes, and the names of the people participating are the values. Videos on Flickr have a maximum time of 90 seconds. Content is essential. All videos must be “safe” and “moderate” in order for content to be permitted. The video must also be original and created by self if uploaded. If users go against rules a warning is sent and content is removed. There are different types of videos and themes vary.

A diagram of the video info type

Info Type 3: Comments

One type of information on Flickr is a comment. Comments allow you to say something about somebody’s picture, and often spark conversations between users. Comments consist of words and symbols and are typed into a text box at the bottom of a user’s picture. You can format the text of your comment by clicking a control located below the text box, which shows you how to make your words bold, underlined, italicized, or crossed-out. The formatting control also shows you how to link other photos or videos on Flickr, as well as linking non-Flickr photos to a comment. One attribute of a comment is that it has an author, and the value pattern of that attribute is the author's name.

A demonstration of a comment thread off of a Flickr user's photo

Diagram of a comment info type

Info Type 4: User

Amongst the various types of information presented on Flickr, users are one of the more dominant. This is because before someone is able to upload and share his or her photos on Flickr, you must first create an account (a username and password) with the site. A user, or a username, is a name that uniquely identifies someone on a computer system. Each username is individualized to a specific person and is always paired with a password. Most usernames include letters and numbers, but rarely any spaces. [1]. This username and password combination is generally referred to as “logging in”. Often, sites require users to login in with their email address, not actually their username. Once you have created an account, the user is then able to customize their profile with a photo of themselves, thus creating a cyber avatar. Furthermore, the username will be like a signature for every comment posted. For example, if you wanted to leave a comment about your friend’s photo it would read; “BillyBob said ‘Wow! Cool photo!’” Here, “BillyBob” would be the username.

Definition of a User

A demonstration of a user of Flickr.

A diagram of the user info type of Flickr.

Info Type 5: Ads

One type of information that is displayed in Flickr is the advertisements. When you go to the Flickr homepage, there are advertisements displayed on the side. When you go to different pages on the Flickr website, there are other ads placed on those corresponding pages. The sponsoring companies, who work with Flickr to try to intrigue Flickr users into clicking on their advertisements and buying products that they might be interested, pay for these advertisements. The ads shown to you are based off of the Web pages you are on, the registration information you provided, or even predictions of your interests based on your web history.

AdChoices: Learn More About This Ad

a shoe ad

A demonstration of an ad displayed on a Flickr user's account

A diagram of the ad info type

Information Organizational Structures

What is an information organizational structure?

An informational organizational structure (also called an info structure) is a way of organizing and displaying information. This organization makes it easier for us to locate the information that we’re seeking. There are four basic info structures; it can be organized into a hierarchy, a link, a sequence, or an index.

Connect to other sites - Links

Just about every website has hyperlinks and links. They are usually identified as blue underlined text. However, most confuse hyperlinks with links. Hyperlinks are links within the website. When clicked on it will take you to another place within the website which is not an actual link. A link on a website when clicked will take you to another website. On Flickr the user is able to connect to different social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, blogging sites, and Yahoo updates. By clicking on the links to the site such as Facebook you leave the Flickr page, and are on the Facebook page. Types such as videos and photos can be moved from Flickr to Facebook, or any of other social networks listed.

links

Links displayed on Flickr.

The Organizr - Hierarchy

Information can also be presented in a hierarchal format. In such cases, the information is arranged in a “family-tree “styled layout. Each bit of information is linked to the next, a descending manner. One way that Flickr portrays hierarchies is how a user can organize their photos. The photos will first be organized by date of upload. Next, the user can put the desired photos into “sets”. And lastly, the user can then place the “sets” into “groups”.

In the simplest terms, the hierarchal structure of the photos is organized into:

• Date of Upload
  • Sets
    • Groups

hierarchy

A Hierarchal layout displayed on Flickr.

Timeline&Calendar events - Sequence

Information can be modeled as a sequence, normally listed as a list or in a group. One specific way that sequences are designed is through a chronological list, like a timeline or calendar or events. One way that Flickr displays sequences is through their display of photos. A user’s photos are shown in a chronological list of when they were added and the way that you view photos is from most recent to least recent, or vice versa. One way that information is modeled is in a sequence. Sequences include information in a list, with each item connecting to another item before and after it. Most sequences are arranged by chronological order, but some are organized by things like popularity or relevance to a search query. On Flickr, the most common way we see sequences are in sets. Sets of pictures grouped together by the user are both preceded and followed by other pictures in the set. Users can change the order in which their pictures are viewed, but often they are ordered by which one was added the most recently. A user’s photostream is another place that we see sequences. The photostream includes all of the user’s pictures organized by the date when they were added.

sequence

Sequential layout on Flickr.

sequence

Sequential layout on Flickr.

Tags - Index

Official websites typically have an index. An index is a detailed list, arranged usually in alphabetical order, and is specific to information items. Indexes also describe the content of a document by keywords. Flickr’s index can be viewed when clicking the Explore tab at the top of the page. It then allows users to preview all the photos in Flickr’s database. The index is organized by tags. Tags are like keywords or labels that you add to a photo to make it easier to find later. Tags can also be phrases. If a user is looking for a particular picture and remembers a tag phrase or keyword, the user can simply click the tag and all the photos that have been tagged by the particular keyword or phrase will show up. Some photos may not be possible to access through the index, depending on the privacy settings.

index

An alphabetical index on Flickr.

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